If you have an Apple computer, iPad, or iPhone, and aren’t sure that you’re getting the most out of it or using it properly, join “chic geek” Beryn Hammil to help you figure it out. Her classes are the perfect solution to give you the start you need and eventually take you beyond the basics, including how to protect yourself from online hackers, how to create safer passwords that are easy to retrieve, how to download and update software and apps, and much more.

All Things Apple is a series of classes for both beginner and intermediate Apple users. You’ll discover how to get the most out of your computer, iPhone and iPad by learning how to set up each device to suit your needs, and how to use your device to its best advantage to be more efficient and effective in your life, travels, work, and play by using the applications that come already installed in the device, as well as helpful third party apps.

In each of these classes you’ll learn how to navigate, customize, and function effectively with your device. Since the functionality of the iPhone and iPad is almost the same, coming to these classes will benefit you no matter which device you’re using.

Unless otherwise indicated, in these classes we’ll discuss each topic as it applies to the iPhone, iPad and Apple computer, so no matter where your interest lies, we’ll cover it.

All of these are drop-in classes with no pre-requisite or commitment necessary. And, they’re free! Choose individual classes based on your interests and needs, or participate in the entire series; you’re sure to learn something new each week including information about tech related products that might benefit you. And, each week you’ll learn new “Tips & Tricks” that make using your device or computer easier. Of course, questions are welcomed because you’re probably not alone, and everyone can learn from the answers.

PARTICIPANT ENDORSEMENTS:

If you’re still in doubt as to whether these classes are for you, here’s part of what a 70+ year old, retired professional says about them:
“I decided to give [this class] a try, and was pleasantly surprised. Ms. Hammil has a rare gift for explaining complex subjects. Moreover, she has a great sense of humor, a commodity I find in very short supply these days.”

Other comments from participants:
“You made some very complex stuff easy to understand.”
“I continue to learn more each week.”
“There’s always something new to learn. Thank you for sharing it with us.”
“You have created a forum that is an invaluable service. It really is a great opportunity to expand our knowledge our communication with each other.” Sandy P.

The City of San Rafael Volunteer Office highlighted Beryn’s service to the library in their October 2017 Newsletter.Clickherefor the article.

PLEASE NOTE: Topic descriptions are the starting point for each class and despite it looking like a repetition of prior semester classes, there’s always more to discuss because of changing technology and multiple approaches to the same function. Students’ questions are encouraged because they expand the discussion and learning opportunity for everyone.

Each class will begin with a few minutes to review interesting tech items that were in the news that week. During the two hours students will learn at least one tech tip designed to make using their Apple device easier, more efficient, or more fun.

Additionally, the last 15 minutes of each class will be “open discussion” to answer questions that students might have on any
Apple tech related topic, including 3rd party apps available in Apple’s App Store.

1:00 – 2:00 Learn how to navigate around your iPhone and/or iPad so you can customize it to suit your needs and make it work better for you. Learn how to find apps for your devices in the App Store and how to create folders for them to stay well organized and you more efficient.

2:00 – 3:00 Learn how to update the device’s operating systems and apps’ software and why it’s important to do this. We’ll review the highlights of the newest iPhone and iPad Operating System (iOS 13). This same technique works for both devices, so whichever one you have, you’ll learn how to use it better.

THURSDAY, October 17thMac & MacBook Air Basics and Operating System (OS) update to “Catalina”

1:00 – 2:00 Learn how to customize your computer in its “System Preferences” to suit your needs and working style. Learn how to update the software and operating systems and why it’s important to do this. Learn some of the new features of the latest OS update, Catalina, including the new Music app that replaces iTunes.

2:00 – 3:00 Learn more functions in your computer; how to create and organize folders, how to find anything in them more quickly, and how to create “Tags” so you can prioritize your computer’s content by topic and retrieve it easily.

THURSDAY, October 24th NOTES(one of my favorite apps)

1:00 – 3:00 Because this handy app is so rich with functions, we’ll spend the full two hours reviewing what it’s capable of doing. The Notes app will keep you well organized with information that you want at your fingertips. Learn how to scan documents with it, take and/or import photos and mark them up, and add PDF files and web links. Learn how to organize all your Notes with folders, prioritize them with pins, and share them with other people. Learn how to sync your Notes to all your devices so a change you make to a Note on one device is automatically updated on all your devices.

THURSDAY, October 31stCAMERA & PHOTOS
[This class was cancelled due to library closure from the fires]

1:00 – 2:00 First, a lesson in how to take a photo with your iPhone and iPad. Learn the range of capabilities that your Camera has with all the different functions built into it. Learn about its movie taking capability as well as its Portrait function.

2:00 – 3:00 Next, learn how to organize these photos on your computer, iPhone and iPad in the Apple “Photos” app. Learn how to make and organize Albums for all your photographs.

THURSDAY, November 7th

Because your favorite topic, Camera & Photos, was cancelled last week due to the power outage last week, part of today’s class will be spent reviewing the highlights of this topic.

Music, Movies, TV shows, Podcasts, Magazines & Books

This topic is especially useful for people who travel and want to take these items with them for entertainment on long flights, road trips and hotels.

1:00 – 2:00 Learn where to find, watch, listen to, and read media content from the wide variety of what’s available online. Learn where content is available for free and where it will cost you.

2:00 – 3:00 Then learn how to retrieve, download and save media content in your iPhone, iPad and computer and how to share some of this content with friends and family.

1:00 – 2:00 Learn how to set up and sync your devices on iCloud so the same information from your Apple apps appears on all your devices and a change on one becomes a change on the others. iCloud can also be used to back up your iPhone, iPad and computer. Lost your iPhone? Locate it with your computer or another device! Can’t find it? Learn how to wipe it of all its content from afar so your information stays safe.

2:00 – 3:00 Learn about iCloud Drive, an Apple function that not only backs up, but lets you view all your computer’s content across all your mobile devices, even if you’re a PC user. Need additional storage for your photos and documents? Learn how to use external memory devices and cloud storage services for your computer’s extra content. Sorry, it won’t work for your brain as there’s no port there in which to plug in the device!

THURSDAY, November 21stMAPS & TRAVEL

1:00 – 2:00 When you learn how to use Apple’s Maps app, as well as other helpful map apps, you’ll know how to navigate your way around any city anywhere.

2:00 – 3:00 Next, because there are many 3rd party travel apps out there, learn which are the most useful to find recommendations for the best things to see and do in another city, and find the right hotels and restaurants based on your criteria. And, because so many of you travel, you have an opportunity to share your own favorite travel apps with everyone else.

THURSDAY, November 28th NO CLASS – ENJOY THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

THURSDAY, December 5thCONTACTS

1:00 – 2:00 Learn how to create new contacts, add multiple phone numbers and addresses to each, as well as how to add a birthday and be reminded about it. Keep your friends, family and other contacts well organized and up to date so you can find their information quickly.

2:00 – 3:00 Have a book club, travel group, or other group that you want to stay in touch with regularly? Learn how to set up and use “Groups” in your Contact app on your computer so staying in touch with specific groups of people is easier via email or text message from your iPhone or iPad while you’re out in the world. Learn how to make phone calls, send texts and emails to anyone in your Contact app, and FaceTime calls to other iPhone/iPad users from your Contacts too.

THURSDAY, December 12thCALENDAR

1:00 – 2:00 When your calendar is up to date you’ll know when you need to be where. Learn how to not only create an event, but how to set up categories of events that let you keep track of other family members or specific types of events by color-coded calendars. Learn how to create alerts to poke you when necessary so you won’t be late for it.

2:00 – 3:00 There’s more to the Calendar app than just creating an event. For example, once you’ve set up a date, learn how to find your way to it using the Apple Maps function that’s linked to the calendar app. Then learn how to invite someone else to that event.

THURSDAY, December 19thThe Phone Part of the iPhone and FACETIME

1:00 – 2:00 TELEPHONE– It is called “iPhone,” after all, so let’s learn how to maximize the functions built into the telephone part of this multi-purpose device. You’ll also learn how to communicate using the iPad and computer as well.

2:00 –3:00 FaceTime – Learn how to use your device and/or computer to communicate via FaceTime. This is especially useful when you travel and/or have family and friends in other parts of the country or world. Learn about other 3rd party telephone apps that let you make and receive calls for free with anyone in the world.

THURSDAY, December 26th NO CLASS – ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

CHECK BACK IN EARLY DECEMBER FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE WINTER SCHEDULE INTO JANUARY.